Map of bike paths / walking paths in the Albany area

Recreational trails for walking, running and cycling around Albany, New York

The Albany area is situated along the Hudson River and Mohawk River in eastern New York State. Albany is the State Capitol of New York State. Other communities in this area include: Troy, Cohoes and Schenectady.

This area is the eastern end of the Erie Canalway system of trails and there are other local recreational trails as well

Mohawk Hudson Hike-Bike Trail - Erie Canalway

The Mohawk Hudson Hike-Bike Trail is an 86-mile long paved pathway that travels alongside the Mohawk River and the Hudson River through the heart of the Albany urban area.  The Mohawk Hudson Hike-Bike Trail is the easternmost section of the Erie Canalway system of trails. The Erie Canalway extends across the State of New York from Downtown Buffalo and the Niagara River to Albany. The trail goes through rural areas, suburban neighborhoods and past the downtown buildings and attractions.

The Mohawk Hudson Hike-Bike Trail is paved through this area and is open to bike riding, running and walking. There are several gaps in the trail where trail users must use city streets or sidewalks to reach the next section. The trail has gentle grades and few street crossings.

The Mohawk Hudson Hike-Bike Trail goes past the following points of interest: Rotterdam Kiwanis Park, Lock 8 Park, Iroqouis Peninsula, Schenectady County Community College, Gateway Landing Park, Union College, GE Global Research Center, Niskayuna Soccer Park, Craig Elementary School, Blatnick Park, Lock 7 Park, Niskayuna Lions Park, Colonie Town Park, Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park, Riverfront Preserve, Corning City Preserve, Jennings Landing, Albany Riverfront Park and the USS Slater.

The northern stretch of the Mohawk Hudson Hike-Bike Trail goes through Rotterdam Junction, Schenectady, Boght Corners and Cohoes. The southern section extends from 4th Street to just south of the Dunn Memorial Bridge next to Downtown Albany.

Read more about the Erie Canalway

Albany County Rail Trail

The Albany County Rail Trail is an 8-mile long unpaved pathway that extends from Voorheesville to South Albany. The trail follows the route of an abandoned railway and goes past the residential areas of Elsmere and Delmar.

Uncle Sam Bikeway

The Uncle Sam Bikeway is a 3-mile long paved pathway in Troy on the east side of the Hudson River. The trail follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way through residential neighborhoods. The Uncle Sam Trail extends from Northern Drive to Middleburgh Street. The trail goes past Lansingburgh Senior High School, Knickerbacker Park, Knickerbacker Middle School and Rensselaer Park Elementary School.

Champlain Canalway Trail

The Champlain Canalway Trail follows along an abandoned railroad right-of-way from Waterford to Hudson Falls. The trail is still being developed and is only open is some sections.

Zim Smith Trail

The Zim Smith Trail is a 9-mile mostly paved pathway that is located to the north of Albany. The trail follows the route of an abandoned railroad right-of-way and spans between the communities of Ballston Spa, East Line, Maltaville, Round Lake, Ushers and Mechanicville. The trail is located away from roadways and wanders through forested areas, wetlands, farmland, small towns and rural residential areas.

The south end of the trail is off of Ushers Road at Coons Crossing in Mechanicville. There is a parking area at this location. The north end of the trail is located along Oak Street to the south of E. High Street in Ballston Spa.

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Resources

Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the recreational trails located in Albany, New York.